TangleRoot (Star Sojourner Book 6) (21 page)

“Which bastards are those?” I asked.

“The local police department and some county politicians and judges that're on the take.”

“Oh, good.” I leaned back to rest. “Joe, did Alpha get in touch with the aliens on Equus about colonization?”

“They did,” he said. “The High Court decided that the Vrorhs, the alien people, had first claim to Equus as refugees from their dying planet.”

“And the other colonists?” I asked.

“The Vrorhs can be destructive with their tel power.” Joe scratched the white stubble on his chin. “Even if it's involuntary. There are other planets for colonists to inhabit. Equus is off the colonization program.”

“That's a fair decision,” I said, and closed my eyes. I hadn't realized how tired I was.

Bat turned in the passenger seat. “Is the pain better?”

I nodded. “Thanks, Doc.”

Chancey drove us to our hovair, parked in the laundry company's lot.

“Too bad,” Chancey said as he jumped out.

“Too bad what?” I asked.

He helped me out. “I was hoping we'd have to rescue you, man. I just couldn't wait to see you inside a bag of dirty diapers.”

“Maybe next time, Chance,” I said.

Sophia kissed my cheek. “There won't be any next times, if I can help it.”

“Don't bet any creds on that, Sophia,” Joe said as we boarded our hovair. “Your boy doesn't sleep well unless he's in a mess.”

I watched the blazing Mafia compound below as we swung west toward Denver. I was anxious to see my little girl Lisa again. I put an arm around Sophia and smiled at her.

“Don't do that,” she whispered, “or I'll have to have my way with you right here.”

Huff put his arm around me. “I will always be here with my way with you, to untangle your messes.”

We all laughed, except Huff, who looked at us with a creased brow. The team was back together, and safe, and we were heading home.

I kissed Sophia's forehead. “Home is the hunter, home from the hill.”

She smiled that beautiful broad smile that made her eyes crinkle. “And the sailor home from the sea.”

END

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